The bike is from Mudgee Classic supporters Orbea Australia, and the model in question is the Gain M20. Standout features included a full carbon frame finished in matte black, Shimano’s bulletproof Ultegra groupset, braking via 160mm discs, and yes, the inclusion of an electric motor.
Orbea’s electric assist Gain series, an e-bike that looks far more like a standard roadie.
First Impressions
Our first impressions no doubt mirrored yours—where the hell is the battery and motor?
Look closely at the rear wheel and you’ll see this bike features an internal hub drive neatly sandwiched (and of a lower profile than) the rear disc and cassette.
This is an ‘eBikemotion X35′ rear hub motor to be precise—a 36V 250w offering that weighs 2.1kg and offers a maximum cruising speed of 25kph.
The Gain features an e-bike motion X-35 hub based motor.
A traditional looking downtube with no sign of the battery … Orbea certainly have put some serious R&D into the Gain.
The other critical component, the battery, is equally hidden. Factory fitted inside the slightly oversized downtube—and with a subtle charge port near the bottom bracket—the whole package whispers minimalism.
The overall weight of the motor, battery and control system is said to be 3.5kg, with a total bike weight coming in at just over 12kg.
First Ride
Sitting on the bike, looking down and the only clue to this steed’s hidden power plant is the coloured LED button integrated into the top tube. Click the button and you have the choice of three assist modes—white for none, green for economy and red for boost.
Need more control? Power outputs can be adjusted and monitored via the eBikemotion companion app.
The latest model Gain series feature a head unit that offers time, distance and battery information plus more.
Speaking of the app: it also boasts a range of other features such as navigation, route planning and diagnostics and is well worth checking out.
The charging port is located just above the bottom bracket.
LED lit, push on the pedals and you’ll feel that electric assist smoothly surge into action. But don’t read e-road wrong—the rider still has to pedal!
Soon after taking delivery of the bike we took it to the Adelaide Hills, the perfect testing ground for any new bike, particularly one with the addition of a motor.
Leaving Adelaide and starting a climb and this bike will not only be a lot of fun to ride, but add a unique dimension to your cycling and deliver new experiences—it is an addictive experience and before long I decided “I need one of these in the fleet”.
Specifications
Frame: Orbea Orca carbon OME, monocoque,tapered 1-1/8″ – 1,5″, PF 86mm, power meter compatible, brake internal cable routing, EC/DC compatible, 130mm rear spacing, 27,2mm seat tube
Fork: Orca OME carbon fork, full carbon steerer, tapered 1-1/8″ – 1,5″, carbon dropout
Crankset: Shimano Ultegra R8000 34x50t
Headset: FSA 1-1/8 – 1-1/2″ Integrated Aluminium Cup ACB Bearings
Handlebar: FSA Gossamer Compact
Stem: Orbea OC-II
The test bike featured an Uletegra groupset with flat-mount 160mm disc brakes.
Cassette: Shimano 105 R7000 11-28t 11-Speed
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8000
Chain: FSA Team Issue
Wheels: Mavic Aksium
Tyres: Schwalbe G One 30mm Speed
Seatpost: Orbea OC-II Carbon 27.2x350mm
Saddle: Selle Royal Seta RS
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra R8000
Pricing: The Gain series start at just over $4000 for the D50 alloy framed model and range to $13,999 for the premium-level M10.
